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Down On The Farm: Detroit Tigers Minor League Report
Tigers Prospect Christin Stewart Continuing To Mash In 2017
With a month gone in the Minor League season, we’re starting to see stats stabilizing and getting a good look at who’s breaking out for teams and will also take a look at some other notables. Here’s a look around the Tigers affiliates…
Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A)
We already know about John Hicks and Jim Adduci, with their hot starts and promotions to the big club, but other notable hitters are struggling currently with…
James Loney, added as a nice in-season pick-up to add depth to the MLB club, Loney has played in 16 games and is hitting .229, with a .637 OPS
Remember Alex Presley’s hot spring training, well, he cooled off considerably in Toledo, as he’s hitting .210 with a .468 OPS in 27 games
Then there is Steven Moya who everyone has been waiting on. This has to be it for him with Detroit, as he continues to struggle hitting .162 with a .468 OPS and 26 strike outs in 68 at bats
Starters Buck Farmer and Warwick Saupold are showing success with sub-3.00 ERA’s, however Chad Bell, is off to the best start on the staff, as he’s thrown 21.2 innings so far, with a 1.25 ERA, with just 7 walks and 25 K’s.
How The MLB’s Top Prospects Are Faring This Spring
Spring is always a fun time as we see a lot of prospects getting time on the field with current Major Leaguers and probably more so this year with players missing on teams for the World Baseball Classic. Some of these prospects may just be up for an at bat or two to get a look at the bigs, others may be getting some unexpected extra time due to surprising performance, while a few prospects will be fighting for a spot on the roster when heading north for the start of the season. Here’s a peak at how the prospects from my Top 100 Prospects For 2017 are doing so far this spring (as of 3/21)…
- Andrew Benintendi, OF/BOS – 15 game, 43 AB, 13 H, 6 doubles, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5 K, .302 avg, .961 OPS
- Dansby Swanson, SS/ATL – 8 games, hitting .333, with a double, HR, 4 RBI and 8 K’s, .940 OPS
- Alex Reyes, RHP/STL/9 – Injured, has not pitched
- Yoan Moncada, 2B/CWS – 17 games, 41 AB, 13 H, 4 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 14 K, .317 avg, 1.074 OPS
- Gleyber Torres, SS/NYY – 19 games, 29 AB, 13 H, 6 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, .448 avg, 1.400 OPS
- J.P. Crawford, SS/PHI – 12 games, 29 AB, 6 H, 2B, .207 avg, .523 OPS
- Amed Rosario, SS/NYM/74 – 14 games, 30 AB, 8 H, 2B, 3 RBI, 7 K, .267 avg, .567 OPS
- Victor Robles, OF/WAS – 3 games, 4 AB, BB
- Austin Meadows, OF/PIT – 16 G, 32 AB, 10 H, 3 2B, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 12K, .313 avg, .936 OPS
- Lucas Giolito, RHP/CWS – 4 starts, 9.2 IP, 11 H, 6 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 6 K, .297 avga, 1.55 WHIP
Sons of ’84 Top 100 MLB Prospects for 2017
Welcome once again to my favorite blog entry of the year, my Top 100 Major League Baseball Prospect list for 2017. My list consists of the top prospects in baseball right now and doesn’t necessarily focus on player’s impact this season as these players are in various stages of their Minor League and and possibly Major League career.
Team breakouts for players on the list include: 8 – ATL 7 – NYY, 6 – MIL 5 – CWS, LAD, Pit, TB 4 – CHC, Col, Hou, NYM, Oak, Phi, SD 3 – Bos, Cin, Cle, Min, Tor, Was 2 – Sea, Tex 1 – Bal, Det, LAA, MIA, SF
Position breakouts for players on the list look like: C – 5, 1B – 4, 2B – 5, 3B – 4, SS – 12, OF – 25, LHP – 13, RHP – 32
For the list, you’ll find the player’s name, their position/team/and last year’s ranking for this list…
Blue Jays Top Prospect Interviews
Jays From the Couch sits down with two of the Toronto Blue Jays’ top prospects, Conner Greene and Rowdy Tellez
This past weekend the Toronto Blue Jays organization put together a wonderful treat for their fans in Buffalo, NY. In a joint effort with the Buffalo Bisons the event on January 24th, was held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo. Luckily, we here at Jays From the Couch were granted access to the event, and able to secure some excellent interviews with a few players.
Our first interview features a conversation with pitching stud, Conner Greene. With Greene finishing each of the last two seasons with Double-A New Hampshire, it is not unreasonable to determine he could start the 2017 season with the Fisher Cats. Should his progression remain steady a trip to Triple-A Buffalo, and perhaps a Toronto September call-up could be warranted. Greene discussed his progress and his new mentor.
CHECK OUT FULL INTERVIEW at Jays From the Couch
In our second interview, Rowdy Tellez talks to our Catherine Stem about his approach to hitting, coaching and much more! The addition of Rowdy Tellez to the Buffalo Bisons roster has some Blue Jays fans celebrating the talent coming up through the minor league system. Shaun Doyle wrote about his impressive season in New Hampshire with the AA Fisher Cats and The Toronto Blue Jays have certainly been keeping an eye on him. That has bred the hope that he could, sometime in the future, be a replacement of sorts for the power bat of Edwin Encarnacion, a point made by Ryan Mueller HERE.
CHECK OUT FULL INTERVIEW at Jays From the Couch
2017 Top-100 Major League Baseball Prospects
As the baseball season quickly approaches, it’s time to take a look at the top-100 prospects for 2017. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to follow and tweet me @dynasty_digest. You can also find more of my articles at www.dynastydigest.sportsblogs.com.
Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (1-10)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 1-10 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. If you want to see the analysis for the rest of the top 100, please visit my blog: www.dynastydigest.sportsblog.com
- Yoan Moncada (BOS, 21 Years Old, 2B): Moncada has stolen my heart and he has stolen the top prospect in my midseason rankings. In 414 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A, Moncada is batting .294, with 12 home runs, 43 stolen bases, .404 OBP, and a .513 slugging percentage. He is blocked by Dustin Pedroia at second base, but there is a good chance the Red Sox move him to third base or to the outfield at some point. Regardless of what position he plays, Moncada will be an elite ball player, and an even better fantasy player. He has the ability to steal 40+ bases, with an on base percentage of .370+, and 20 home runs or more in a season. Needless to say, those statistics would put him in an elite class in fantasy baseball.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (11-20)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 11-20 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
- Alex Reyes (STL, 21 Years Old, RHP): If you are looking for a frontline starter, look no further. Reyes has the upside of a top-10 pitcher in the next few years. He has an elite fastball-breaking ball combination and his changeup has developed quite nicely. He has been known to touch 102-103 MPH with his fastball, so that speaks for itself. He has struggled this season at Triple-A, but that doesn’t take away from his potential. In 55 innings pitched, he owns a 5.07 ERA, 51 hits against, 79 strikeouts, and 27 walks. He has an elite strikeout rate, but his walk rate does scare me. He was just scratched from his most recent start in the minors, so many people believe the Cardinals are preparing to call him up to the big leagues.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (21-30)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 21-30 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
- Orlando Arcia (MIL, 21 Years Old, SS): The smooth-fielding shortstop has struggled a little during the 2016 season, but his future remains bright. In 382 plate appearances at Triple-A, Arcia is batting .269, with seven home runs, 44 RBIs, 56 runs, 13 stolen bases, .325 OBP, and a .407 slugging percentage. He still profiles as an above average shortstop in the big leagues, but I’m not convinced he is going to be an elite fantasy baseball player. He has the ceiling to produce 15-20 stolen bases, .270 BA, 10-15 home runs, and a .340 OBP once he reaches the bigs. If he does put up those numbers, I retract my statement about his fantasy baseball value.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (31-40)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 31-40 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
- Willy Adames (TB, 20 Years Old, SS): Adames has developed quite nicely over the last few seasons. At 20 years old, he is showing great success in Double-A. In 360 plate appearances, he is batting .264, with eight home runs, nine stolen bases, and a .365 OBP. After a slow 2015 season, Adames has rebounded very nicely after his promotion in 2016. He is starting to show more power, speed, and he is getting on base at a better rate. I don’t think he will ever be an elite fantasy baseball player, but he should be average-to-above average.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (41-50)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 41-50 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 51-60
- Jason Groome (BOS, 17 Years Old, LHP): Well, this ranking won’t mean anything if the Red Sox don’t sign Groome after drafting him 12th overall in the 2016 MLB Draft. The Sox and Groome are still in negotiations, but nothing as been finalized yet. At only 17 years old, Groome is incredibly advanced on the mound. He throws a mid-90’s fastball from the left-side, which has great late movement. He also shows a great feel for his breaking ball and changeup. To go along with his great repertoire, Groome has showed great command for a kid his age. Many people expected Groome to go first overall in the draft, but he started to trend downwards due to maturity questions and sign-ability issues. If the Red Sox sign Groome, he has the upside of a frontline starter.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (51-60)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 51-60 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 61-70
51. Jake Bauers (TB, 20 Years Old, 1B): Bauers has improved his game a lot in 2016. Last season, he hit .272, with 11 home runs, eight stolen bases, .342 OBP, and a .418 slugging percentage in 534 plate appearances. In only 368 plate appearances this season at Double-A, Bauers is batting .285, with 10 home runs, seven stolen bases, .373 OBP, and a .430 slugging percentage. He also has very advanced plate discipline, which should serve him well in his career. Bauers has one of the prettiest left-handed swings you will see, so it is no surprise that he is hitting so well this year.
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Midseason Top 100 Prospect Rankings Analysis (61-70)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 71-80 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 71-80
- Kyle Lewis (SEA, 20 Years Old, OF): Kyle Lewis was drafted 11th overall by the Seattle Mariners in the 2016 MLB Draft. Lewis went to a small college named Mercer University, but nothing about Lewis is small. He puts up HUGE numbers at the plate, he is a massive human being, and he is going to be a big-time prospect. He stands 6’4 and weighs about 210 pounds. He currently plays centerfield, but as he fills out, he is expected to play one of the corner spots in the outfield. In his last season at Mercer, Lewis hit .395, with 20 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a .525 OBP. In his short time in the minors, he hasn’t been overmatched at all, which is a great sign. Lewis has immense potential and could be a serious home run threat down the line.
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Midseason Top 100 Prospect Rankings Analysis (71-80)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 71-80 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 81-90
- Luis Ortiz (TEX, 20 Years Old, RHP): Oritz has been very impressive when he is on the mound. Unfortunately, Ortiz has been very injury prone in his first few seasons of professional baseball. He was drafted 30th overall by the Rangers in 2014. Since being drafted, he has flown through the minors. At the age of 20, he is already in Double-A. He is 4.3 years younger than the average competition in Double-A, so that is very impressive in itself. In 61.1 innings between High-A and Double-A this season, he owns a 3.23 ERA, 61 hits allowed, 56 strikeouts, and only 13 walks. He has a great feel for all of his pitches, which translates to very few walks. Ortiz has the potential to be a 2/3 starter in the Rangers rotation in the near future.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (81-90)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 81-90 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 91-100
- Gary Sanchez (NYY, 23 Years Old, C): Sanchez has been a highly touted prospect since 2011. He has fluctuated in the rankings each year, but he is finally close to the big leagues. In 243 plate appearances this season, he is batting .281, with nine home runs, .321 OBP, .487 slugging percentage, and a .808 OPS in Triple-A. His defense has improved quite a bit to go along with his elite arm, so it looks like he will stick behind the plate. Sanchez is the catcher of the future for the New York Yankees.
SEE THE ANALYSIS OF PLAYERS RANKED 82-90
Midseason Top 100 Prospect Rankings Analysis (91-100)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 91-100 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
- Braden Shipley (ARI, 24 Years Old, RHP): Shipley was considered a top 50 prospect following the 2014 season, but he has declined since. In 2016, he has thrown 107.1 innings, with a 3.69 ERA, 117 hits against, 68 strikeouts, and only 18 walks in Triple-A. His walk rate and command have drastically improved, but his lack of strikeouts is a concern. A few years ago, Shipley was viewed as a potential 2/3 starter in a rotation, but it looks like he could be more of a 4/5 starter when he gets his chance.
SEE THE ANALYSIS FOR PLAYERS RANKED 92-100
Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings
Hello all you baseball fans. Below you can find my 2016 midseason top 100 prospects list. I will be posting daily articles highlighting and analyzing each prospect (in groups of 10) throughout the next week, so keep an eye out for those articles. To get email updates when these articles are published, please follow my blog (dynastydigest.sportsblog.com). If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me on Twitter (@dynasty_digest).
1. Yoan Moncada (BOS, 21 Years Old, 2B)
2. Lucas Giolito (WSH, 21 Years Old, RHP)
3. Alex Bregman (HOU, 22 Years Old, SS/3B)
SEE THE REST OF THE RANKINGS
Who Will Be The Next Superstar Baseball Prospect Called Up?
Following the promotion of Lucas Giolito, MLB’s #1 overall prospect, many people are wondering who and when the next superstar prospect will be called up. There are quite a few people who come to mind when pondering this question. Some of those names include Alex Bregman, Manuel Margot, Alex Reyes, Orlando Arcia, Tyler Glasnow, Aaron Judge, and many more.
It is difficult to predict when a prospect is going to be called up, but it can be even harder to predict if that prospect is going to be a superstar. Every one of those guys listed above have the potential to be something special, but who will make that superstar impact this year? Could it be Alex Bregman taking over third base for the Houston Astros? How about Alex Reyes toeing the rubber in St. Louis? Both of those individuals will be superstars, but they are not who I have in mind.
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The Atlanta Braves Need To Trade Julio Teheran, But It Might Not Happen
As it gets closer to the trade deadline, Atlanta Braves pitcher, Julio Teheran, is gaining more and more attention. Through five starts in June, Teheran has been absolutely dominant throwing 37.2 innings, with a 1.91 ERA, 17 hits against, 37 strikeouts, and only four walks. The Braves will bring in quite the haul if they decide to deal the right-hander to a competing team at the trade deadline.
So far in 2016, Teheran owns a 3-7 record, with a 2.46 ERA, 70 hits against, 99 strikeouts, and 24 walks in 106 innings pitched. Pay no attention to the record since he is currently playing for the worst team in baseball, but this might not be for long. Many teams have expressed interest in Teheran, including the Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, and other teams competing for a spot in the playoffs.
Teheran would help a competing team, but he may not be worth the price the Atlanta Braves are asking for. Not only is the price high, but there are some concerning factors that might show that Teheran’s success in 2016 could be a fluke.
To read more about how Teheran’s 2016 season could be a fluke, click the link below:
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Detroit Tigers State Of The Union Part 1: What Will The Offense Look Like In 2014?
Despite losing to Boston in the American League Championship Series, the Detroit Tigers had a respectable season in 2013 finishing the Regular Season with a solid record of 93-69, 24 games above .500 and AL Central Winners. To top that off, they also beat the Oakland Athletics in 5 games to advance past the ALDS .
By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @DanWanser
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Moving into 2014, the Detroit Tigers look to have a season which takes them past the ALCS where their 2013 run ended, and potentially all the way to the Fall Classic in November which was just outside their grasp.
The Tigers have made it to the ALCS for 3 straight years, and will attempt to be the 1st franchise since the Yankees made it to 4 consecutive League Championships from 1998 – 2001 in the American League next campaign.
With great players on the diamond everyday like Miguel Cabrera, newcomer Ian Kinsler, and Right Fielder Torii Hunter, Detroit is poised to make another deep playoff run not only in the upcoming season, but in many years to come.
Looking back at the 2013 lineup, there isn’t much that needs to be changed so here’s what I think their 2014 starters will look like.
2013 Detroit Tigers Pump-Up Video:
Looking Back At Some Of The Highlights From The Marlins 2013 Season
The Marlins season has gone as planned, in the sense that they have been absolutely terrible; however, that’s not to say there haven’t been some memorable highlights and played some tremendous games.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
Follow MLB Reports on Twitter Follow @mlbreports
No matter how bad anyone thought the Marlins would be at the start of the season, things have managed to turn out worse.
With proven players like Giancarlo Stanton and Logan Morrison failing to perform at the levels they are capable of and the organization starting a laughable infield for the majority of the season, 2013 has been one of the worst seasons in franchise history.
However, that’s not to say there haven’t been memorable, enjoyable, and even unforgettable Miami games and performances that have taken place in the 2013 regular season.
Here’s a look at the few unforgettable games and bright young names that will be remembered in years to come.
Marlins Outlast Mets in 20-innings
Anthony Rizzo: His Impact On The Chicago Cubs
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Tuesday April 30th, 2013
Rizzo looks in 2013 to improve on his strong short 2012 campaign, in which he hit .285 with 15 HR and 48 RBI. He has struggled to carry a great Batting Average – but has launched 8 HRs and added 19 RBI in just 90 At-Bats heading into Monday Nights action, We at the ‘Reports,’ are calling him the NL Mendoza Line Masher. The AL Mendoza Line Masher is definitely Adam Dunn.
By Bernie Olshansky (MLB Reports Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
Over the past few years, Chicago Cubs fans have not had a lot to cheer about. Anthony Rizzo is starting to break this trend. Rizzo was acquired by the Cubs from the San Diego Padres in early 2012.
The team sent Andrew Cashner—most notably—to the Padres and got Rizzo in return along with minor league pitcher Zach Cates.
Rizzo is exactly what the Cubs need in a power-hitting first baseman, and should hold down the position in the years to come. Andrew Cashner was a prized prospect at the time of the trade, but the Cubs evidently thought Rizzo was more talented and held more value.
The Padres wound up with Yonder Alonso to man First Base, so they did not lose a significant amount in the trade.
Anthony Rizzo Highlights and the song “Go Cubs Go”
Are The Red Sox Mismanaging Their Shortstop Position?
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Follow @mlbreportsThursday April.11/2013
Is Jose Iglesias the best fielding Shortstop in baseball? Maybe I’m biased but I believe he is. Keith Law called him the best defensive prospect he had ever seen. His defense has carried him thus far in his professional career, but I think his bat is ready for the Majors in 2013. It might not be at its full potential, but it is developed enough.
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): Follow @ryandana1
The Boston Red Sox have been off to one of their best starts in recent memory so far in 2013. At this early juncture in the season they are still in 1st place in the AL East and for the most part are performing like a team with playoff aspirations.
A lot of this is due to the reemergence of veterans who had down 2013 campaigns but there are also a developing core of young players contributing such as Will Middlebrooks, Jackie Bradley Jr, and Jose Iglesias.
While batting .450 (9-20), Jose Iglesias couldn’t have done anything more to secure a spot on the 25-man roster. Despite his great start he was sent down to Pawtucket (AAA) to make room for Stephen Drew who is coming off injury (concussion).
Jose Iglesias Highlights: Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is advised:
Marlins Make the Wrong Choice in Promoting Jose Fernandez
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Monday, April 1, 2013
Just two years ago, Jose Fernandez was pitching for Alonso HS in Tampa, Florida.
By Sam Evans (Baseball Writer): Follow @RJA206
Jose Fernandez is one of the top ten prospects in all of baseball for a variety of reasons. He has a fastball that can touch 98 MPH and a nasty curveball that will baffle hitters at any level. This weekend, the Miami Marlins promoted to their starting rotation after he continued to impress their front office in Spring Training. Having never played above High-A, Fernandez will suddenly be forced into the spotlight in the N.L. East. While it may seem that the Marlins are making the right choice in bringing him up because of how awful and unexciting their team will be in 2013, the reality is the Marlins are making a massive mistake.
Marlins-Jose Fernandez talks Spring Training 2013:
Seattle Mariners Roster in 2013: State Of The Union:
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Follow @mlbreportsThursday, January.31/2013
Felix Hernandez is still the Mariners best player without a doubt. Will he get some help shouldering the load in 2013? Either way, all of baseball should be watching when King Felix pitches, he is a true marvel on the mound.
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Intern): Follow @ryandana1
Seattle Mariners fans must be pretty amazing, Felix Hernandez sticking with their team through recent times. The Mariners were established in 1977 and have made the playoffs just 4 times in their history. They were the AL West champs 3 times (’95, ’97, ’01) and winners of the Wild Card once (’00). They have never won a World Series, or even an AL Pennant, and in 2012 they shipped off a fan favorite, Ichiro Suzuki, to the Yankees. The AL West is a tough division. The Rangers and Athletics made the playoffs last year, and the Angels just landed the prize of the off-season in slugger Josh Hamilton. I guess one bright spot is the Astros are moving to the AL West, so the Mariners won’t be rebuilding within the brutal division alone.
The Seattle Mariners hopes and dreams start where they have for years now, on the shoulders of King Felix. Felix Hernandez is no doubt an Ace. He has pitched 200+ innings every year since ’08, and had a sub 4.00 ERA every year since ’07. Hernandez won the AL Cy Young in 2010, and is a perennial contender for the award. Last year the Seattle fireballer threw his first Perfect Game. Hernandez will once again be atop the Mariners rotation, which as of now figures to include Hisashi Iwakuma, Blake Beavan, Erasmo Ramirez, and Hector Noesi.
Hisashi Iwakuma was a pleasant surprise for the Mariners in 2012. He wasn’t a greatly sought after oversees free agent last year, overshadowed greatly by fellow Japanese hurler Yu Darvish, but proved to be a great signing. Iwakuma started 2012 in the bullpen until he later earned a spot in the team’s rotation. Iwakuma managed a very respectable 3.16 ERA in the 125.1 innings he split between the rotation and the pen. This success is part of the reason the Mariners resigned the pitcher to a 2YR/14 Million Dollar deal this past November. He figures to hold down the 2nd spot in the rotation and should do just fine if 2012 was a sign of things to come.
Blake Beavan is still just 23 Years Old, but he already has 41 Major League Starts under his belt which gives the club hope he can hold down the 3rd or 4th slot in the rotation. Beavan clearly has the talent which is what made him a 1st Round draft pick out of high school for the Rangers, and the reason the Mariners made sure he was a part of the package they received in return for Cliff Lee in 2010. Beavan’s 2012 stats won’t impress a lot of people, but they were a good start for a young player like himself to build and improve upon.
Felix Hernandez Highlights: Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is advised
Moises Sierra Has a Future in the Majors: A Blue Jays Work in Progress
Sunday August 26th, 2012
Sam Evans: When Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos traded away both Travis Snider and Eric Thames at the trade deadline, it created an opportunity for unheralded twenty-three year old outfielder Moises Sierra. Sierra has a chance to show Toronto that he should be part of their future in these final couple months of the season. With his 70-grade arm and his ability to produce runs at a solid pace, Sierra could have a job in the majors for years to come. However, Sierra has a lot of work to do to become a candidate for playing time at Rogers Centre in 2013.
Moises Sierra was signed by the Blue Jays out of the Dominican Republic back in 2005. This was before the Blue Jays dominated the scouting world, so Sierra has never been an “Anthopoulos guy”. From 2006 to 2008, Sierra had some rough numbers for different teams, but he showed enough to be promoted from the DSL, in 2006, to earning a starting job in High-A for the 2009 season. Sierra had a 122 wRC+ at High-A in 2009, but he missed most of the 2010 season due to a stress fracture in his leg and a couple of other minor injuries. Read the rest of this entry
Top 5 Catching Prospects in Baseball
Friday August 17th, 2012
Codey Harrison (Lead MiLB Prospect Analyst) – The second installment of a 3-part series featuring the top 5 prospects from middle of the field positions. This week we are focusing on one of the hardest positions in all of baseball to find superstars at. One of the biggest reasons is that catchers take a lot longer to progress defensively than any other position in baseball. Bryce Harper who was known for being a catcher in high school was drafted as an outfielder by the Nationals so he could make it to the Major Leagues much faster. Being able to call a game behind the plate, and knowing the angles that are needed to block pitches in the dirt can take several years to master. The wear and tear on a catcher can be a vigorous one, as most catchers only catch 140 games an entire season even if they are healthy the entire season. With current catchers in MLB who are stars like Joe Mauer, Matt Wieters, Buster Posey, Brian McCann, Yadier Molina, and Miguel Montero, it’s time to take a look at the potential future catching stars who replace the current MLB All-Star catchers. Plus teams look to move star catchers from their primary position to save their bats and extend their careers in the process.
Travis d’Arnaud (Toronto Blue Jays AAA) – Travis d’Arnaud was the prize prospect along with RHP Kyle Drabek the Blue Jays acquired in the Roy Halladay trade. d’Arnaud was named the 2011 Eastern League best catcher by the leagues managers. For the position, d’Arnaud has plenty of future plus tools (Hit, Power, Arm, and Fielding), and is on pace to supplant current Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia by the start of the 2013 season. d’Arnaud is currently on the disabled list, but for the season with AAA Las Vegas he’s batting .333, .380 OBP, .595 SLG, with 16 home runs, and 52 RBIs. One of the very few things scouts are drawn away from d’Arnaud is his approach at the plate, as he is very aggressive having walked on 19 times, while striking out 59 times on the season. Read the rest of this entry
Weekly 6-Pack MLB Prospects: Hot/Cold Sheet – Week of August 13TH
Monday August 13th, 2012
Codey Harrison: This is the second installment of the weekly prospect hot/cold sheet. We will feature 3 prospects that are on fire, and 3 prospects that are ice-cold. Our list of players will only include those who are still prospect eligible (less than 130 MLB at bats, less than 50 innings pitched at the MLB level). Featured players are generally players who are highly regarded amongst the minors and are regarded as legit prospects. This week’s hottest player goes to Arizona Diamondbacks LHP Tyler Skaggs who has posted a 1.70 ERA in 8 AAA starts.
HOT PROSPECTS:
Tyler Skaggs LHP Diamondbacks – The prize prospect in the trade that sent Dan Haren to the Angels, Tyler Skaggs has been dominant in his 2 season in the Diamondbacks organization, especially of late with AAA Reno. Skaggs has the kind of stuff scouts drool over, 3 pitches that grade out from above average to plus, to compliment his above average command. In Skaggs’ last 3 starts, he has gone 20 innings, allowing 2 runs on 11 hits, with a very impressive 25 strikeouts to only 7 walks. Tyler Skaggs is considered the best southpaw of the loaded Dbacks pitching prospects entering 2012 (Trevor Bauer, Archie Bradley, Patrick Corbin, Wade Miley). Read the rest of this entry
Houston…We Have a Problem: The Astros Are in for a Painful Rebuild
Thursday August 9th, 2012
John Burns: With a 36-76 record the Houston Astros have been the laughing-stock of baseball this season. Houston is going into a complete rebuilding phase after trading the very few veterans they had, such as: Carlos Lee to Miami, Wandy Rodriguez to Pittsburgh, Brett Myers to Chicago (White Sox), Chris Johnson to Arizona, and J.A. Happ to Toronto. It is safe to say that Houston was definitely a seller at the recent non-waiver trade deadline and they made the right decision. They had one of the best deadlines in my opinion because they got rid of players that they were not going to win with and got very talented prospects in return. With the load of prospects Houston received, they will most definitely need several of their new young players to pan out if Houston plans to contend in the A.L. West one day. Oh yeah… I forgot to mention the worst team in baseball is going to one of the best divisions in baseball in 2013. A difficult situation is about to get a whole lot tougher. Read the rest of this entry
The MiLB Player and Pitcher of the Month for July 2012
Sunday August 5th, 2012
Codey Harrison: In an effort to bring you the excitement of the minor leagues’ best players and how well they are performing on the field, we are introducing a monthly minor league players of the month feature. From the very well-known prospects, to the not so well-known: if they are raking at the plate, or dominating on the mound for an entire month, they have a chance of winning our monthly honor. Now it’s time to find out who we feel dominated the MiLB in the month of July:
MiLB PITCHER OF THE MONTH: JULY 2012 Read the rest of this entry
Weekly 6-Pack MLB Prospects: Hot/Cold Sheet – Week of August 4th
Saturday August 4th, 2012
Codey Harrison: This is the first installment of the weekly prospect hot/cold sheet. We will feature 3 prospects that are on fire, and 3 prospects that are ice-cold. List’s of player’s will only include players who are still prospect eligible, less than 130 MLB at bats, less than 50 innings pitched at the MLB level. Featured players are generally players who are highly regarded amongst the minors and are regarded as legit prospects. Dylan Bundy who ranks 2nd on our mid-season top-50 prospects list gets the nod for the hot prospect after his best outing as a pro.
HOT PROSPECTS:
Dylan Bundy RHP Orioles – The 4th overall pick of the 2011 first year player draft has been dominant all season, but especially dominant of late. Bundy had arguably his best start as a pro his last time on the mound going 6 2/3 Innings, allowing 2 hits, 0 earned runs, while walking 2, and striking out 8. Overall in his last 2 starts, Dylan Bundy has posted very good numbers. 11 innings, 9 hits, 2 runs (1ER), 3 walks, and 14 strikeouts. Bundy signed a big league contract with the Orioles and management hasn’t ruled out calling up Bundy in September if Baltimore is still in the playoff race. Read the rest of this entry
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